This week, Great British Menu winner Nikita Pathakji opens her own restaurant while Magnolia Bakery lands in London for a month-long pop-up.
MAAI
Clapham - 33–35 Abbeville Road, London SW4 9LA
Coming off the high of winning Champion of Champions on Great British Menu, chef Nikita Pathakji is opening her first solo restaurant this week. The menu here will be "layered with influences from her heritage", whilst also using great British produce. Dishes include the seared halibut with Malaysian fish head curry, which won her the top prize on GBM.
Opening date: 20 May 2026
Magnolia Bakery at Cafe Ciel
Whitehall - 33–35 7 Horse Guards Ave, London, SW1A 2EX
After more than 30 years in New York, Magnolia Bakery is still hugely popular, and this week it's coming to London. Working with Cafe Ciel, the bakery is setting up shop as a kiosk in the courtyard of the OWO, where you'll be able to pick up their signature banana pudding (but no cupcakes, alas).
Opening date: From 19 May 2026 (until 10 June)
Nancy's
London Bridge - 4th Floor, Colechurch House, London Bridge Walk, SE1 2SX
Opening in the same building as London Bridge Rooftop, this new bar takes its inspiration from 1970s parties, inspired by the Brutalist building it's in. In here, you'll find a Negroni Cart where you roll a dice to see what serve you'll get, they'll have cocktails inspired by local businesses (with one inspired by Humble Crumble's blueberry pudding) and a few "small sip" cocktails that include their version of a tequila sunrise.
Opening date: 19 May 2026
Events
18-24 May (Borough) - The Salt Yard Group is 20 years old this year and kicking off their anniversary series (curated by Lee Westcott) is chef Patrick Powell, who has created a Mediterranean menu that includes Iberico pork schnitzel with pickled chilli and anchovy and mussel escabeche with grilled bread and aioli.
20-21 May (Broadgate Circle) - For just two days, the Ben and Jerry's van will be giving out free "meal deals" (cookie dough sandwich, dough bites and a cookie dough milkshake). You'll find them there from 11:30am - 2pm.
21 May (Borough) - Ria's is taking over the Market Bar at Cafe Francois. There's a special bar menu of deep-pan pizza slices, one Ria's signature, an off-menu special, and one topping from our chefs. A ticket is only £10 and gets you a free drink.
Here's what opened last week
Arcade (Covent Garden) - Their latest upmarket food hall has arrived in the middle of Covent Garden
Cantinera (Brockley) - From the team behind pop-up Codillos, this mixes Spanish and Mexican inspiration in its menu.
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